FridayOL

Hollywood icon Linda Hamilton, best known for her iconic role as Sarah Connor in the Terminator franchise, is sharing a candid and inspiring look at her life journey. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Hamilton humorously admits she felt like a 'hot mess' for the first 40 years of her life, while also delving into her long-standing battle with mental health challenges.

The actress bravely revealed in 2004 that she grapples with both depression and bipolar disorder, a disclosure that marked a significant step towards destigmatizing mental health conversations within the entertainment industry. Since then, she has become a quiet advocate for understanding and support.

“I think I was a hot mess for the first 40 years,” Hamilton chuckled, demonstrating a remarkable ability to find levity even when discussing serious topics. “And then I started to figure things out.”

But what exactly did she 'figure out'? Hamilton’s journey hasn’t been a linear one. It's involved navigating the pressures of fame, motherhood, and the complexities of living with a mental health diagnosis. In this exclusive interview, she offers glimpses into the strategies and self-discovery that have helped her gain a stronger sense of self and resilience.

Finding Strength Through Acceptance and Self-Awareness

Central to Hamilton’s progress has been accepting her mental health challenges rather than fighting against them. “It’s not about 'curing' anything,